Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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Question 506: To ask the Minister for Health if he has read the recent report by the EU Committee on Environmental and Health Risks into the scientific evidence around water fluoridation; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this report has stated that water fluoridation poses some health risks for children; and his plans to end this practice. [24105/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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The report of the EU Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks (SCHER) was published in June of this year is report has not made any findings of negative health or environmental effects concerning fluoridation of water.

The SCHER Report states that a narrow margin exists in children between achieving the beneficial effects of fluoride in reducing dental decay and the potential adverse effect of dental fluorosis is true regardless of the source of fluoride, whether from water fluoridation or other sources, such as ingested toothpaste. It should be noted that dental fluorosis is a cosmetic or aesthetic condition which refers to the way teeth look and is generally easy to treat. It is in contrast to the treatment of tooth decay which may on occasion involve the use of general anaesthesia and hospitalisation.

The Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health advises that the balance of scientific evidence worldwide confirms that water fluoridation, at the optimal level, does not cause any ill effects and continues to be safe and effective in protecting the oral health of all age groups. There are no plans to discontinue the policy of fluoridation of public water supplies, which continues to make an effective contribution to oral health in Ireland.